If you dream of a dish that’s crisp, creamy, juicy, and made for long summer afternoons, this Cucumber Caprese Salad will absolutely steal your heart. It’s a vibrant, no-fuss twist on the iconic Italian classic, bursting with flavors and colors that belong at every gathering (or even just your kitchen table for one!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Freshness: Every bite is bursting with garden-fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and basil—crunchy, juicy, and perfumed with summer.
- Lightning Fast: You only need 10 minutes and a cutting board—this salad is proof that amazing flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It travels like a dream, looks stunning on a picnic table, and makes both weeknight dinners and holiday spreads feel just a little fancier.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with creamy mozzarella and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, it’s as satisfying as it is good for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cucumber Caprese Salad comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a starring role. With the freshest picks you can find, you’ll turn these humble basics into a colorful showstopper that tastes as lively as it looks.
- English cucumber: Its thin skin and virtually seedless interior lend perfect crunch without any bitterness, no peeling required!
- Fresh mozzarella pearls: These bite-sized cheese orbs melt in your mouth and soak up all those tangy-sweet dressing flavors.
- Grape tomatoes: Pick the ripest you can find; these burst with juicy sweetness in every forkful.
- Fresh chopped basil: Essential for that signature Caprese aroma—don’t skimp! Tear or slice just before adding for the brightest flavor.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: Store-bought works just fine, but a homemade version with good olive oil makes things even more delicious.
Variations
One of the best things about Cucumber Caprese Salad is how easy it is to mix things up—so feel free to make it your own! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or planning for a special crowd, these ideas will keep things fresh and exciting every single time.
- Add Avocado: Toss in cubes of ripe avocado for an even creamier bite and a little healthy fat.
- Swap the Cheese: Try mini bocconcini, burrata, or even feta for a twist on the classic flavor profile.
- Change the Dressing: Trade classic balsamic for a pesto drizzle, lemon vinaigrette, or a splash of red wine vinegar for a different zing.
- Protein Power: For something more filling, add cooked chicken breast, chickpeas, or grilled shrimp to turn it into a main course.
How to Make Cucumber Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
Start by slicing your English cucumber in half lengthwise, then halve each piece again to create four long quarters. Chop these into bite-sized pieces—the slightly chunkier cuts give the salad its signature juicy crunch in every bite, and the shape makes it extra pretty in the bowl.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Add your chopped cucumber, fresh mozzarella pearls, and grape tomatoes to a medium mixing bowl. If your mozzarella pearls are packed in water, make sure you’ve drained them well so your salad won’t get watery. The colors at this stage will have you smiling already!
Step 3: Dress and Add the Basil
Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over everything, then pour in the balsamic vinaigrette. Gently stir the salad to coat every ingredient—don’t be afraid to use your (very clean) hands for this if you want every bit beautifully dressed but not mushy.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
This Cucumber Caprese Salad is wonderful served right away, but you can also refrigerate it for up to an hour so the flavors meld just slightly. If you’re making it ahead, add the basil and vinaigrette just before serving for the brightest taste and color.
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Moisture Matters: After slicing the cucumber, give it a quick pat with a paper towel to keep your salad crisp—not watery.
- Tear, Don’t Chop Basil: Tearing basil leaves (instead of slicing) helps release their essential oils for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Best Served Chilled: Pop the finished salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you want the flavors to marry and make it extra refreshing.
- Use High-Quality Balsamic: If you have a special bottle of vinaigrette or balsamic reduction, this is your moment—it really shines in this simple recipe.
How to Serve Cucumber Caprese Salad
Garnishes
Give your Cucumber Caprese Salad that gourmet touch with extra fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of thick aged balsamic for beautiful shine and a tangy finish. For a little heat, a pinch of cracked black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes works wonders!
Side Dishes
This salad loves company! It’s perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, pan-seared salmon, or even big bowls of pasta. It’s also right at home with a crusty baguette, making every last vinaigrette-soaked bite even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cucumber Caprese Salad into individual mason jar salads for picnics, layer it in a clear trifle bowl for a striking party centerpiece, or skewer the ingredients for Caprese kabobs at your next backyard bash. The colors always sparkle and it’s guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Cucumber Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours before the veggies lose their crunch, but you can still grab a tasty forkful even after a day—it’ll just be a bit more marinated and soft.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad since the cucumbers and tomatoes will become mushy after thawing. For the freshest results, make just what you plan to enjoy and savor every bite while it’s crisp and vibrant.
Reheating
Cucumber Caprese Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, chilling it for a bit before serving actually heightens those crisp, bright flavors!
FAQs
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Can I make Cucumber Caprese Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop the cucumber and tomatoes and store them (separately from the cheese and basil) in the fridge for a day. Add the mozzarella, basil, and vinaigrette right before serving for the freshest flavor and color.
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What kind of cucumber should I use if I can’t find English cucumbers?
Persian cucumbers are a great substitute, or you can use regular cucumbers—just peel and scoop out the seeds for best results. The key is keeping the salad crisp, so go for the freshest you can find.
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Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply leave out the mozzarella pearls or swap them for a dairy-free cheese alternative or marinated tofu cubes. All the other flavors will still shine beautifully.
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Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes! Cucumber Caprese Salad is perfect for potlucks and parties. Just scale up the ingredients and toss everything together in a big serving bowl—it looks gorgeous and is always a hit on buffet tables.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this easy, irresistible Cucumber Caprese Salad! Whether you’re celebrating with friends, packing it for work, or just indulging yourself, it’s a burst of freshness that’s bound to lift your spirits. Grab those vibrant veggies and go make some magic!
Print
Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese, with the addition of crisp cucumber. It’s a vibrant and flavorful salad that’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Cucumber:
- 1 English cucumber
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls:
- 8 ounces, drained
Grape Tomatoes:
- 2 cups
Fresh Basil:
- 1/3 cup, chopped
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then halve again and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix cucumber, mozzarella pearls, and tomatoes.
- Add basil and dressing: Stir in fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette gently.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill until serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
